I’m Sure It’s Just I’m Sure It’s Just A Phase:A Phase:The Lunar CycleThe Lunar Cycle

What is a Lunar Phase?What is a Lunar Phase?

A A lunar phaselunar phase or or phase of the phase of the moonmoon refers to the appearance of refers to the appearance of the illuminated portion of the the illuminated portion of the MoonMoon as seen by an observer, usually on as seen by an observer, usually on Earth. Earth.

The time between two full moons is The time between two full moons is about 29.53 days on average about 29.53 days on average

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The Moon exhibits different phases The Moon exhibits different phases as the relative geometry of the Sun, as the relative geometry of the Sun, Earth and Moon changes;Earth and Moon changes;

appearing as a full moon when the appearing as a full moon when the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth, of the Earth,

and then as a new moon when they and then as a new moon when they are on the same side are on the same side

Names of PhasesNames of Phases

New MoonNew Moon CrescentCrescent First QuarterFirst Quarter Waxing GibbousWaxing Gibbous Full MoonFull Moon Waning GibbousWaning Gibbous Last QuarterLast Quarter CrescentCrescent

Today’s Investigations:Today’s Investigations:

First InvestigationFirst Investigation Page 43 in your lab notebooks Page 43 in your lab notebooks Page 64-66 in your text book: Investigation 5.1.Page 64-66 in your text book: Investigation 5.1.(You must also do what is asked in the reflection on (You must also do what is asked in the reflection on

page 66 and write your answers on page 42 in page 66 and write your answers on page 42 in your lab notebooks).your lab notebooks).

Second InvestigationSecond Investigation Page 45 in your lab notebookPage 45 in your lab notebook Page 67 in your text book: Investigation 5.2Page 67 in your text book: Investigation 5.2(You must also do what is asked in the reflection on (You must also do what is asked in the reflection on

page 67 and write your answers on page 44 in page 67 and write your answers on page 44 in your lab notebooks).your lab notebooks).

A note: on #4 you put your answers in your lab notebooks on A note: on #4 you put your answers in your lab notebooks on page 47page 47